The Kenyan government has reassured Burundian nationals living
and working in the country of their safety after public outrage over a viral
video showing a Kenyan man verbally confronting a Burundian tea and mandazi
vendor.
The video, which spread
widely on social media, sparked criticism from many Kenyans and drew the
attention of senior officials in both Kenya and Burundi amid concerns over
xenophobic remarks directed at the trader.
In the video, the man is
heard accusing the vendor of taking jobs and business opportunities from
Kenyans and questioning his presence in the country.
The exchange triggered
widespread debate online about the treatment of foreign nationals and the need
to uphold the spirit of regional integration within the East African Community
(EAC).
The controversy prompted a
response from Burundi’s Ambassador to Kenya, Fred Ngoga, who stated that the
views expressed in the video did not represent the majority of Kenyans.
“The majority of Kenyans
are decent and good people who welcome their brothers and sisters from Burundi.
We also intermarry. A majority have rejected this hate,” Ngoga said in a
statement shared on X.
The envoy thanked Kenyans
who condemned the incident and also acknowledged the response of Kenyan leaders
who spoke out following the circulation of the video.
Ngoga further appealed for
the protection of Burundian citizens living and working in Kenya, saying they
should continue to enjoy safety and dignity as members of the wider East African
community.
Foreign Affairs Principal
Secretary Korir Sing’Oei responded shortly afterwards, seeking to reassure
Burundians and other East Africans residing in Kenya.
In a message posted on X,
Sing’Oei said the government remained committed to ensuring the safety of
citizens from partner states within the regional bloc.
“To assure that our
brothers and sisters from Burundi, as part of the citizens of Jumuiya, are safe
in Kenya,” Sing’Oei wrote.
The EAC brings together
several countries in the region, including Kenya and Burundi, with member
states working towards deeper economic and social integration.
Citizens of partner states regularly cross borders for trade,
employment, education and investment opportunities.
Thousands of Burundians
live and work across East Africa, including in Kenya, where many operate
businesses, pursue studies or seek employment in various sectors of the economy.
The free movement of
people within the region has played a key role in boosting trade and
strengthening ties among EAC member states.
The incident comes amid
heightened scrutiny of anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of Africa,
particularly South Africa, where tensions over immigration, employment and
access to public services have periodically triggered hostility towards foreign
nationals.
